Now in its seventh year, next month’s Deepwater Scarecrow and Wool Festival promises to be a fun, low-cost family day out in a friendly village with community at its heart.
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The festival runs from 9am to 10pm at the Deepwater Oval, as always on the first Saturday in November (November 5 this year). Organising committee president Sharyn Rhodes and her fellow scarecrows have been busy of late going around nearby towns promoting the upcoming event, and finalising program details.
A star attraction this year is a restored steam traction engine now owned by Armidale-based federal election candidate Rob Taber. Mr Taber will be getting up a full head of steam to power the tractor to pull a trailer for hay rides, operating most of the day.
Kids are also encouraged to decorate their pushbikes for judging at 1pm in two age categories (under 14 years, and 14 years plus), and it doesn’t have to be a scarecrow theme. There will also be a lolly drop at 3pm, but the Great Baby Race at 2pm promises to be a scream.
Entrants will be provided with nappies, bibs, bonnets and other baby paraphernalia and are required to race as a couple to one end of the oval for one of the team to don their baby gear, and then race to the other end to dress up the second team member. Ms Rhodes said holding up the nappy can be a challenge for the runner and hilarious for the onlooker.
The day also incorporates judging of local wool fleeces, and there’s sure to be some lambs and other cute creatures to cuddle at the petting zoo. The day continues well into the night with entertainment provided by Peter Vandersteen (of Kings of Rock fame, a tribute band covering Creedence Clearwater Revival and Eagles). The bar operates from noon and there will be plenty of market stalls and food available, and a monster raffle.
Of course a highlight of the festival is the scarecrows that will soon start appearing in the streets of Deepwater. Entries from surrounding areas like Tenterfield and Glen Innes and villages including Tent Hill, Torrington and Emmaville are strongly encouraged, just as long as the scarecrows are erected prior to the festival within the village of Deepwater.
Scarecrow winners will be announced in the late afternoon of the festival, to give the public plenty of time to ponder their favourites for the popular vote. There will also be independent judging.
Ms Rhodes’ hints for catching the judge’s eye are to go for a quirky interpretation, and re-purpose used materials in innovative ways. Deepwater’s infamous policeman scarecrow is rumoured to make a comeback.
Proceeds from the festival will fund an extention to the amenities block at the oval.